Published: Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 3:15 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 12:13 a.m.

Carolina head coach Ron Rivera said following Tuesday afternoon's practice that he's unsure whether quarterback Cam Newton will play in Friday's preseason opener when the Panthers host the Bills.

Newton underwent offseason surgery to tighten ligaments in his ankle and has so far fully participated in training camp, although he's rarely left the pocket to run into space.

"We don't know the plan yet for Cam on Friday," Rivera said. "It's all based on what (trainer) Ryan Vermillion and the doctors think and how Cam feels once we get past Thursday morning. We'll find out how he is after that practice and we'll sit down and talk and make a decision on what we want to do as far as he's concerned in terms of playing time and all that stuff."

When asked if there was a chance Newton may not play at all, Rivera replied, "I guess there might be, but we'll talk and see how things are with how Cam feels. I'm not going to say yes (he'll play) and then all of a sudden he's not going to, and I'm not going to say no and then he's going to play. I've been told in talking with the trainers that we can't make a decision right now, that's why I can't give a time frame on it."

Rivera did say that if Newton was available, it was unlikely he'd play any longer than just a couple of possessions, adding, "And I imagine it will involve a lot of handing the ball off."

IT'S ALL IN THE NAME

Carolina defensive tackle Colin Cole and his 6-foot-2, 320-pound frame good-naturedly took exception to Rivera calling him a "space-eater" in the middle of the line.

"I like to believe I have the ability to get out on the edge and make plays. I've adapted to the scheme and was able to come off and start 13 games last year and we were ranked No. 2 against the run in the defensive stats so, I think that I have a lot of ability and bring a lot to the table and I'm going to continue to improve on that."

So if not space-eater, what then?

"Not necessarily space-eater as much as middle monster, that's a better way to put it," Cole said.

PAW PRINTS

Offensive tackle Nate Chandler, who is battling Byron Bell for the starting left tackle spot and is currently listed as the starter on the right side, didn't practice Tuesday due to knee soreness, with Rivera saying he expected Chandler back to work today. Veteran Garry Williams took his reps at right tackle on Tuesday. … Safety Roman Harper continued to be held out with a toe injury and second-year Georgia receiver Tavarres King missed his second consecutive practice with a strained hamstring.

<p>Carolina head coach Ron Rivera said following Tuesday afternoon's practice that he's unsure whether quarterback Cam Newton will play in Friday's preseason opener when the Panthers host the Bills.</p><p>Newton underwent offseason surgery to tighten ligaments in his ankle and has so far fully participated in training camp, although he's rarely left the pocket to run into space.</p><p>"We don't know the plan yet for Cam on Friday," Rivera said. "It's all based on what (trainer) Ryan Vermillion and the doctors think and how Cam feels once we get past Thursday morning. We'll find out how he is after that practice and we'll sit down and talk and make a decision on what we want to do as far as he's concerned in terms of playing time and all that stuff."</p><p>When asked if there was a chance Newton may not play at all, Rivera replied, "I guess there might be, but we'll talk and see how things are with how Cam feels. I'm not going to say yes (he'll play) and then all of a sudden he's not going to, and I'm not going to say no and then he's going to play. I've been told in talking with the trainers that we can't make a decision right now, that's why I can't give a time frame on it."</p><p>Rivera did say that if Newton was available, it was unlikely he'd play any longer than just a couple of possessions, adding, "And I imagine it will involve a lot of handing the ball off."</p><h3>IT'S ALL IN THE NAME</h3>
<p>Carolina defensive tackle Colin Cole and his 6-foot-2, 320-pound frame good-naturedly took exception to Rivera calling him a "space-eater" in the middle of the line.</p><p>"I like to believe I have the ability to get out on the edge and make plays. I've adapted to the scheme and was able to come off and start 13 games last year and we were ranked No. 2 against the run in the defensive stats so, I think that I have a lot of ability and bring a lot to the table and I'm going to continue to improve on that."</p><p>So if not space-eater, what then?</p><p>"Not necessarily space-eater as much as middle monster, that's a better way to put it," Cole said.</p><h3>PAW PRINTS</h3>
<p>Offensive tackle Nate Chandler, who is battling Byron Bell for the starting left tackle spot and is currently listed as the starter on the right side, didn't practice Tuesday due to knee soreness, with Rivera saying he expected Chandler back to work today. Veteran Garry Williams took his reps at right tackle on Tuesday. … Safety Roman Harper continued to be held out with a toe injury and second-year Georgia receiver Tavarres King missed his second consecutive practice with a strained hamstring.</p>